Join the Riot for Austerity!

Where I'm Going to Be Next

For a host of reasons, I do try to limit my travel. But I also do give talks, and I do do interviews, and this corner of the blog will tell you what's upcoming. If you'd like me to come speak, send me an email at jewishfarmer@gmail.com, and we'll see if we can work things out.

My Next Talk:

On February 16 at 3pm, I'm giving a FREE talk on the basics of food storage - why and how - at my friend Joy's store, The Olde Corner Store 133 Factory, Gallupville NY 12073. 518-872-1610. All are welcome, and Joy will be offering a discount to anyone who wants to get started in storing bulk foods.

About the Books

In case you wondered, there are two of them.

Coming out in the fall of this year, _Depletion and Abundance: Life on the New Home Front_ focuses on how families can adapt to a lower energy, hotter world - and help hold back the worst of the disaster as well.

Coming in Spring '09, _A Nation of Farmers_ co-authored with Aaron Newton explores our current agricultural situation, makes a case for a sustainable future, and draws the connections between our agriculture and our lost democracy.

Both forthcoming from New Society Publishers.

About Me

I'm a 35 year old writer and subsistence farmer, author of two forthcoming books on Peak Oil and Climate Change _Depletion and Abundance: Life on the New Home Front_ (Fall '08) and _A Nation of Farmers (And Cooks)_ (Spring '09) the latter co-authored with Aaron Newton. Both books are forthcoming from New Society Publishers.
I used to run a small, Jewish themed CSA, but now we're concentrating on subsistence agriculture, growing food and teaching others to grow food.
My training was in literature, focusing on the Renaissance and demographic and cultural crises of the 17th century. I've switched to focusing on the demographic and cultural crises of the 21st century for the moment, but retain an interest in all things literary.
In my spare time (of which there isn't much), my husband Eric and I are raising Eli (7 1/2), Simon (6), Isaiah (4) and Asher (2), and assorted critters and livestock, building an agrarian future.

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

50 Million? 100 Million? 200 Bazillion? How Many Farmers Do We Need to Change the World?

I hope you will forgive me for going on about a technicality for a moment, but I've been getting a lot of queries on this subject lately. Rather than write the same explanations over and over again, I'm going to publish this here and anyone who asks me in email will get a link to save repetitions.

At the end of the summer, I wrote a paper to present at the Community Solutions Conference in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Among other things, I called for a massive return to small scale agriculture in America as a way of ameliorating the affects of both peak oil and climate change. I argued that doing so would end the disaster of industrial agriculture, and also act to renew our democracy, by reducing our dependence on corporate interests and leading us back towards the Jeffersonian ideal that the US should be "a nation of farmers." In my paper I noted that in most of the 3rd world today, and through most of history, approximately 1/3 of the total populace has been involved in Agriculture, and for several reasons, knowing that the US population was about to reach 300 million (which it has since done), I chose to call for "100 Million New Farmers."

I picked 100 million, rather than 50 million (a figure I considered) because while 50 million represents somewhere between 25 and 30% of the fully employed adults in the work world in America, agriculture is something that doesn't actually work in the same ways as traditional employment. That is, when one member of a family farms, everyone farms. My concern about the 50 million figure was that it would imply that farming was a single breadwinner activity, and that the only farmers who "count" would be those who do it full time, on large acreage. I did not want to return to the "Farmer" and the "Farmer's Wife" model, in which only the primary breadwinner's work is calculated as farming. But on a farm, everyone works, including children, who do a good deal of the productive economic activity of many family farms. Women farmers are the fastest growing segment in agriculture. Retirees can and do farm for a small supplemental income. People who are employed to do agricultural work on farms, but do not own them, or farm on rented land are farmers. Many of this nation's farmers at present are Chicano, Latino and Carribean migrant workers, who we should dignify with the name "farmer". And many of the people who have traditionally been called "gardeners" can and should be re-named farmers, for what I think are important reasons.

Farming is not necessarily a full time economic activity - in fact, the majority of full-time professional farmers also either have an outside job or a spouse or family member who does. So even among the people we define as professional farmers, you don't have to quit your day (or night) job. In fact, I think any smooth transition to small-scale agriculture must include people who are both farmers and shopkeepers, teachers, doctors, construction workers, at home parents, retirees, truck drivers, dancers, and everyone else. Farming, I believe, cannot be an exclusive club if we are not to face food shortages down the line.

A month or so after delivering my Community Solutions talk, I was immensely rewarded and flattered to discover that Richard Heinberg, who was also speaking there, went on to write a now-famous paper entitled "Fifty Million Farmers" http://energybulletin.net/22584.html which in some part derived from my analysis. I was still more flattered to be credited at the end of the paper thus,

(This lecture drew on certain ideas earlier put forward by Knox, New York farmer Sharon Astyk in her remarks at the 2006 Peak Oil and Community Solutions conference in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and on others that emerged in conversation with Pat Murphy of Community Service and Julian Darley of the Post Carbon Institute.)

For those of you who read this blog who don't know anything about peak oil (ie, some of the ones who are related to me), Heinberg is the GLF (Greatest Living Figure - although that makes him sound like he's 100 years old and carved of stone, and he's actually maybe mid-40sish, and is friendly enough) and I'm pretty excited to have had any impact on his thought at all.

I have recently published some material that refers to my own 100 million figure, and there has been some confusion, both as to whether I'm ripping Richard Heinberg off (I don't think I am) and also why my numbers are so much bigger than his. So I thought I'd clarify as best I can. As far as I can tell (and this is interpellation from Heinberg's paper, I don't know for sure), there is very little difference between what we want to see. In fact, I don't believe our numbers are very different in the end. Both of us chose a nice, functional, big wonking number based on numbers that are very rough estimates, but not, I think, wrong for all that. I suspect we are imagining a not-dissimilar number of total farming households in the US. I've sent a copy of this to him, and if he'd like to clarify beyond what is available in the paper, I'll happily publish it.

If there is a significant distinction between our numbers, it is probably located here, where Heinberg writes,

"Indeed, we need perhaps to redefine the term farmer. We have come to think of a farmer as someone with 500 acres and a big tractor and other expensive machinery. But this is not what farmers looked like a hundred years ago, and it’s not an accurate picture of most current farmers in less-industrialized countries. Nor does it coincide with what will be needed in the coming decades. We should perhaps start thinking of a farmer as someone with 3 to 50 acres, who uses mostly hand labor and twice a year borrows a small tractor that she or he fuels with ethanol or biodiesel produced on-site."

If I have any difference with Heinberg (and I'm not at all sure I do), it is that I believe that the word "farmer" is more elastic still, and should be expanded to include anyone who produces a food surplus for barter or sale, or who provides a significant portion of their own food (ie, subsistence farmers.) I think the word "farmer" can and should include not just people who have returned to rural areas and are growing food on 5 or 10 or 50 acres, but people who are growing food for sale and subsistence on existing suburban lots, people who have been described as gardeners in the past. Because if our cities and suburbs are to survive or thrive, these will be the people who feed them, from their 1/4 acre lots and 2 acre suburban spreads. And farmers, ultimately, are the people who feed us.

So I personally would not use the size of one's land-base to narrow the definition of "farmer". In fact, many farmers in the world farm on truly tiny lots - subsistence farmers worldwide average 4.5 acres, with many growing enormous amounts of food on much, much smaller acreage. What matters is that we, as a nation, give up on the enormously destructive and inefficient industrial model and turn towards small scale agriculture, and that those who do so are dignified with the correct term.

I believe in this very passionately. Indeed, my friend Aaron Newton and I are writing a book on just this subject. And I can't begin to say how delighted I am that Richard Heinberg is also devoting his intellect and his considerable scholarly weight to this unbelievably urgent project. A New Yorker article a few months ago reports Bill Clinton describing in some detail how compelling he found Heinberg's first book on peak oil, _The Party's Over_. What Richard Heinberg writes on this subject has the potential to change the world. Having more than an average share of hubris, I have hopes that Aaron's and my book will have an impact there too.

Here is an excerpt from my own talk, in the hopes of persuading other people to become one of the 50 million or 100 million, or whatever.

"Now I know this talk is supposed to be about “large scale gardening” but I keep speaking of farming. That’s because there’s an untenanted space between the word “gardener” and the word “farmer” that needs to be addressed. A gardener is usually someone who grows things for their pleasure, from the sheer joy of it. When we talk about farmers, we usually mean someone with a profession is growing food on a large scale. But somewhere in between them is the idea we need to grasp with language - that there could be someone who grows a lot of food to eat, but still takes pleasure in the act, who may sell food, but whose work cannot be traded on the commodities market.

Or perhaps we don’t need a new word, because we have one. In nearly every nation in the world small scale or subsistence agricultural producers are called “farmers“. In English, the word derives from the word for “earth,” as in “firmament” or “terra firma,” but it also shares its origin with the word “form” to mean “to shapes or creators.” . It occurs to me that right now, we need to become a nation of people who see themselves as creators rather than conquerors or consumers, people who see our central work as the maintenance and sustenance of the earth and human cultures. So I’d like to propose to you that for the purposes of this talk, we think of all our exercises in food production as a kind of farming. In fact, I’d be thrilled if you’d go on thinking of yourself as a farmer after we’re done here, because I think that habit of thought could be a powerful one for most of us.

Because it isn’t such an outrageous leap to imagine yourself as a farmer. It turns out that only in our highly commodified culture, which values only large scale agriculture at all, and even that not much, is a farmer defined as a big man with a big tractor who grows a thousand acres of corn and votes republican. In fact, he’s not a he at all - the average farmer, worldwide is a woman, and not a white woman at that. Even in the US, the only really fast growing segment of agriculture is that of independent women farmers. The average farmer in the world is a woman, farming 4 ½ acres, growing 15 different crops on them. They own no tractor and do most of their labor by hand, and their household has at least one outside source of income (that last part is the only thing that is true of most professional farmers as well - 70% of them must either hold a second job or have a spouse work outside the home to support themselves). And the average farmer world wide doesn’t look all that different from what American farmers used to look like. Because the average first settlers in the US farmed only 7 acres, and by the time that Thomas Jefferson was rhapsodizing about the democratic possibilities of a nation of farmers, the average farmer only had 10 acres.

What we are talking about, then, is a return to human norms, in which many people are involved in a subsistence economy, producing most of what they need, with enough to create a small outside income for the things they cannot grow or barter for. We have been conditioned by growth capitalism to see such work as endless drudgery, grinding poverty and misery. But in fact, as Veronika Bennholt-Thomsen and Marie Mies describe in their book _The Subsistence Perspective_ (a book I highly recommend, btw), most small polyculture producers value what they have, their independence and their strong cultural ties. We should think carefully before we assume that a subsistence lifestyle is a step down - because for many independent small farmers in the world, our dependence on the money economy, military and economic expansionism and outside things like fossil fuels look like a kind of vulnerability and dependence that would be intolerable."

And if anyone out there knows what the correct form of citation is for the work of someone who was influenced by your work, but published first, and went on to influence your later work, please let me know. My brain hurts just thinking about it ;-).

I like the information you posted very much, we are anticipating for these for along time, hope you can keep doing this for us, we will be the faithful readers of it.You can also have a look at http://www.abercrombie-fitch-clothes.net

Dear friends,Cheap Sale Louboutin online.All shoes elegant shoes is one of masterpiece from Christian Louboutin Evenings. When you buy yourself a pair of Christian Louboutin Pumps shoes you allow yourself to benefit from the vast experience and expertise that this brand has collected over the years.The design of Christian Louboutin Platforms are very unique and sexy. We have to be amazed and excited for its shape. As long as you wear it, you must be more beautiful and attracting, you can try it!The elegant new style Christian Louboutin can make you more confident and charming, expanse your taste. These sandals are not only gorgeous but are also comfortable. The elegant sandal of Christian Louboutin 2011 is a miracle!Christian Louboutin On Sale.

The elegant pattern, the delicate style all mold the ladies perfect leg profile. Flowers in the spring of 2011 creeping, up from hair to clothes continue to footwear, have had a brilliant up. In such a glamor, spring and summer flowers now here. Romance is a woman's mood, exquisite flowers just right of expression in our gestures, the woman, how can we not love the romantic temperament so that they distributed the flowers do? 2011 flowers bloom will enjoy different poses! The Christian Louboutin 2011 Sandals also can adds the hright of the ladies, it bring surprise to the short lady. Especially the red sole of the louboutin heels, magic and sexy, many ladies are crazy. The red sole, the first feature of the Christian Louboutin stroe.

The christian louboutin heels is designed for the ladies. Since the pumps was born, the ladies life become colorful. The christian louboutin evening pumps are the god's masterwork. Who invited thechristian louboutin pumps? Seldom people knew, but I think every lady would be grateful for him. Among the countless pumps, the christian louboutin peep toe is the most outstanding ones. The elegant pattern, the delicate style all mold the ladies perfect leg profile. Flowers in the spring of 2011 creeping, up from hair to clothes continue to footwear, have had a brilliant up. In such a glamor, spring and summer flowers now here. Romance is a woman's mood, exquisite flowers just right of expression in our gestures, the woman, how can we not love the romantic temperament so that they distributed the flowers do? 2011 flowers bloom will enjoy different poses! The Christian Louboutin 2011 Sandals also can adds the hright of the ladies, it bring surprise to the short lady. Especially the red sole of the louboutin heels, magic and sexy, many ladies are crazy. The red sole, the first feature of the Christian Louboutin stroe.

Sale Louboutin shoe store is up for many years.A man who wants to play its expertise, it must fit the social environment needs. If you need from the social environment, their expertise will lose value. Therefore, we have according to community needs, determine their own actions, better to show themselves. Louboutin Shoes Sale shoes wear can make you look more beautiful, more attractive feet.http://www.sale-louboutin-shoes.us

Most women would love to own an authentic cheap christian louboutin shoes The problem comes when people try to match that goal up with finding a Christian Louboutin Outletthat fits their budget. We have heard stories that it is possible to find discounted designer shoes, but it is easy to get frustrated when the cheapest shoes you are able to find are priced well into the hundreds of dollars. Christian Louboutin DiscountLet's cut right to the chase. However desirable all but the wealthiest women may find designer label shoes, Louboutin Outletmost of us are going to have at best one or two cheap christian louboutin clearance shoes if we insist on buying new at retail.Christian Louboutin 2011Christian Louboutin Ankle Shoes if we want to have an assortment of such treasures, we're going to have to make our purchases of lower-priced, Christian Louboutin Heelsdare I say cheap shoes, while not sacrificing original designer heritage for them.Christian Louboutin Peep ToeOf course, when shopping for cheap cheap louis vuitton bags one can put oneself at the mercy of charlatans.Sad to say, there are those among us who have no qualms about passing off a counterfeit designer bag as the real deal, and perhaps having a good laugh at our expense.Recognizing that,Christian Louboutin Pumpsunless one has grown up in a family of purse collectors or had some kind of similar experience of being around genuine articles of quality, Christian Louboutin Sandalssome education is in order. Some people suggest going to christian louboutin outlet stores and examining the goods found there.Christian Louboutin Tall ShoesSuch a plan can be an advantage, Ghd Australia in the outlet store.Five Fingers ShoesHappy to see this article as it is just what I have looking for and I am looking forward to another great article from you. You may be interested in CHI usYour space is really pretty, have no interest in to my chi for sale space to share it? thank you Oh.Buy Nike Shoes

Want to be the fashionable person?Sexy and beautiful women are always men's favor. Now come to highqualitysales! We will change you into a gorgeous girl! Here provides BURBERRY Fashion,CHANEL,COACH,D&G,GUCCI,juicy,Louis Vuitton,PRADA,VERSACE,UGG and so on.The unique and well-Designed high quality favored by the world, We now provide high quality with free shipping and save 60% off! Hurry up! www.highqualitysales.net is your first choice!

really loved reading your short article. It was very well authored and easy to understand. Unlike additional blogs I have read which are really not good. I also found your posts very interesting. In fact after reading,

Hello!It is my first time visit your website.It is nice,just like our website.Yes,we are the cheapest ghd outlet.All of the Discount GHD Straighteners on sale here are high quality,and free shipping.I don't know whether you have already have a flat iron,we here have theghd uk for your choice.Australia is our main market as well.ghd australia also on sale.If you want to have a differdent hairstyle with less money,then come to our website,we have the confidence that we will bring you a nice mood everyday.Pick your beauty now,It is suitable for both men and women.Come on,your beauty is in our website waits for you.what's more,with a nice hairstyle,i think you will also need a nice christian louboutin clearance sale and Ghd Australia to match your hairstyle.Ghd Australia sincerely for your service!At last,best flat iron thanks for sharing your articles.May you happy everyday.ghd ukghd uk

Nike Shoes Us Max 87 attribute a awesome grey bottom coloring having a bright Nike swoosh and hyper blue accents along the lone within the sneaker and heel. Also on this pair they kept their mesh toe box layout for additional comfort and breathability. Nike generally introduces numerous designs of operating footwear for numerous Womens Nike Air Max 90 groups. No make any difference you are teens or adults who like being in action using the sports activities trends, you can just Womens Nike Air Max 95 locate probably the most attractive oxygen max footwear to concur along with your censorious taste. Now right here would be the warm marketing ladies Nike oxygen Max 90 operating footwear as properly as the males Nike oxygen Max 90 footwear to match your needs at shoes-dream. com.

Sunglasses are referred to as an individual of the best and desirable components for the two men and women.Ray Ban 3359 sunglasses have created its initial overall look about eighty several years in the past and come to be a hitting item in the current market speedily. These Ray Ban 3186 sunglasses are specialised in blocking glares and many other dangerous rays.Inside a term, Ray Ban 4086 sunglasses are combo of vision safety and vogue. This is why they can be so well-liked and very hot every one of the extra.

Sunglasses are generally known as one from the most effective and appealing equipment for equally males and females.Ray Ban 3186 sunglasses have created its initial physical appearance about eighty years ago and develop into a hitting product or service within the marketplace rapidly. These Ray Ban 3029 sunglasses are specialized in blocking glares and lots of other harmful rays.Within a term, Ray Ban 4125 sunglasses are mix of vision protection and vogue. That's why they are so favorite and sizzling each of the far more.

There is more food in the world to feed everyone. We don't need more farmers. We need better governments and laws to learn how to stop a puppy biting and letting certain individuals get away with greed.

It makes me feel so surprise.I never know there is such a wonderful place that I can find what I need, 401k rollover Is 401k rollover beneficial? One of the benefits associated with the rollover includes the..

Good article! I really love how it is easy on my eyes and the data are well written. I'm wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your RSS which must do the trick! Have a nice day!

This is a very informative article.I was looking for these things and here I found it. Like the site pregnancy symptoms before missed period I am doing a project and this information is very useful me. …..